So I decided to take the plunge… I bought my first Chanel bag! Admittedly, I’m already a “treat-yo-self” kind of girl, but this was a big purchase even for me. I had been eyeing a Chanel boy bag for quite some time. I mean, they’re beautiful! The perfect combination of classic femininity you’d expect from Chanel, combined with a modern and edgy touch from the hardware details. In a moment of pure fantasy I had tried on a couple of different sizes and hardware tones at Bergdorf Goodman. I decided that the medium-sized, brushed gold was the perfect option for me, before I was sharply brought back to reality by the price tag. I left the store with a “one day” mentality, assuring myself that the bag would soon be mine with some smart saving tactics.
Fast forward to our trip to Ireland and a routine visit to my favorite department store, Brown Thomas. Since my brother is one of my favorite fashion advisors, I thought that I would show him the bag that was at the top of my lust list. After drooling over it once more, I noticed that the price tag was quite a bit cheaper – even after the currency exchange. Imagine my surprise! And then there’s the cherry on top… Ireland actually has a high tax refund rate if you are an Non-EU resident. With the financial incentives, I decided it was actually smart for me to purchase my bag while traveling abroad. So I went ahead and pulled the trigger! If you are traveling abroad to Europe and eyeing a luxury item, it might be beneficial for you to consider purchasing there. My advice is to look into tax return rates and the actual cost of the item in the countries you are visiting. You just might come home with a brand new beauty for your wardrobe!
I can honestly say that I’m so thrilled with my purchase. I ended up going with the gold hardware, because I felt like the brushed silver (ruthenium) was a little too edgy for my personal tastes. Additionally, the medium is a great size which can be transitioned from day to evening. I felt like I couldn’t see myself wearing the larger bag in the evening. While I’m still treating my bag with kid gloves, I hope to wear it more and more as the season progresses. Stay tuned!
What about y’all? Do you have any love at first sight stories or tips for shopping while abroad?
1. Chanel. In person, these sunglasses are the coolest shade of blue that I think would translate well from season to season. Also, the trendy round shape is very in, but these are classic enough to stand the test of time even when trends change.
2. Apple. The new wave of iPhones has arrived! I’m personally getting one because my current phone screen is cracked, so it’s just time for me. However, with greater storage, an upgraded camera, and no headphone jack, the iPhone 7 is lust-worthy. Plus, I can’t wait to use it with Bose wireless headphones! What do you dolls think, are you trading up?
3. Topshop. One of my favorite things is to play with differing lengths and hemlines.I love the idea of a short dress or cropped pants with a longer coat layered on top. This pale blue duster is a gorgeous shade that will add dimension and polish to any Fall look.
4. Shopbop. I have an obsession with grey sweaters, and I love the feminine details on this Endless Rose number. It’s not your boyfriend’s sweater… it’s better!
5. Philip B. In the Fall I feel like I can get away with some more time in between hair washes. But to make sure my tresses don’t look greasy and my hair stays fresh, I like to use a dry shampoo. This one, by Philip B, is honestly the best I’ve ever tried. It doesn’t leave behind white reside, is paragon free, doesn’t feel sticky and has the most DIVINE scent. It’s a little bit pricier than the average, but I really can’t rave enough about it.
6. Nars. Time to transition to a darker lip shade for Fall. This NARS essential is next on my list with it’s moody berry shade and matte finish.
7. Zara. Chanel? Almost. These comfy and cute Zara cap-toe shoes are a great heel height. And yes, they look like Chanel and are just simply gorgeous. For less than $40, we all need these in our wardrobe.
8. Tibi. This Tibi dress give me serious Divergent vibes. I feel like it’s what a sexy Erudite leader would wear. Sorry, is my nerd showing? Anyway, the dress is so simple, but the cut and fit is flattering and unique. Plus…navy. Gimme.
1. Maje. Again, I know it’s a million degrees outside, but I keep looking forward to wearing sweaters in the fall. I love the bight red of this Maje sweater that would mentally transport me back to the streets of Paris.
2. Drybar. I’m all about that mermaid hair, and I never turn down an opportunity to get a good blowout. I mean, have you seen how long my hair is? Any opportunity to sip champagne, be pampered and feel beautiful is a great gift in my book.
3. Chanel. I love this Chanel card case with it’s tastefully-sized gold logo and textured leather. It’s just classic, and the perfect size for a clutch.
4. Soul Cycle. I’m back in the Soul habit! SoulCycle is my moment for me during the week. I just get lost in the music and feel great about doing such a fun workout. The classes are a bit pricey if you go often, so I think it’s also a great gift for those who like to stay active.
5. Name Necklace. I’m having a Sex and The City moment and really want a name necklace all of a sudden. I just think it would be cute with sweaters or layered with other dainty jewelry.
6. Cyclical Industry, Speaking of dainty jewelry…these micro-circle earrings are just the cutest and would go with any ensemble. I love that they’re sparkly, but still understated.
7. Manolo Blahnik. My Manolos are probably the shoes I wear most. My classic black pair is a staple for work because they are sexy, yet so comfortable I feel like I would get just as much wear out of a navy pair, which I’ve been lusting over for some time now.
8. Chloé. My go-to fragrance that I just finished. It’s a fresh, floral scent that always makes me feel feminine and chic.
9. Bose. Last but not least, Bose wireless headphones. My friend Daniela got a pair of Bose headphones when she worked on some of the ads last year. Almost instantly I found myself making up any excuse to borrow her pair and enjoy the superb sound quality. Now that the wireless, noise cancelling model is out – I think it’s finally time to get my own pair.
